Selective Admission Schools and Programs

Franklin Military Academy is the first public military school in the nation and offers an alternative to the regular high school program.  The Franklin program is designed to allow all students to experience a regular academic course of study while participating in a Junior Reserve Officer Training Program.

FMA students (cadets) are immersed in public service opportunities utilizing the collective efforts of faculty, students, parents, and community partners. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to be competitive at colleges and universities, as well as in the 21st-century workforce.

Rising 6th and 9th grade students may apply.
Please note: Current Franklin Military Academy 8th graders who wish to continue at FMA for 9th grade must apply. Students do not automatically move from 8th to 9th grade at Franklin Military Academy.

Visit the Franklin Military Academy Website

Open High School was established in 1972 as an alternative public high school in Richmond, Virginia. Established on the premise that students are self-directed, independent learners, Open High School offers a college preparatory education to approximately 200 high school students in a small personal setting. Successful students develop the initiative, independence and responsibility to manage an individualized schedule and maneuver around the city.  An emphasis on relationship, relevance, and rigor guides our program’s direction. Teachers work collaboratively to make lessons relevant to real world situations. All classes are geared towards preparation for the upper level rigor of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment course offerings.

Known as the “school without walls,” Open collaborates with the community for classroom space, elective offerings, and events throughout the year. All students are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the school and community and contribute to an environment of mutual respect between families and the school. All students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of community service and a Senior Project. 

Current 8th and 9th grade students may apply.

Visit the Open High School Website

Richmond Community High School, a nationally recognized leader in urban education, is committed to preparing students to excel in a demanding, technologically sophisticated, global society by providing a college preparatory and experiential learning environment that nurtures individual achievement while embracing diversity.

Students will demonstrate mastery of rigorous college preparatory courses of study and emerge as critical thinkers and effective problem solvers. Students will develop into informed, engaged, and empowered leaders who positively impact their local and global communities. Students will achieve personal excellence by discovering and developing unique interests, talents, and gifts.

Current 8th and 9th grade students may apply.

Visit the Richmond Community High School Website

The Thomas Jefferson High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), the third program in the IB continuum, focuses on the completion of rigorous college preparatory coursework across multiple disciplines in grades 11-12.

The DP offers students opportunities to demonstrate real applications of their learning in six subject areas through practical assignments and assessments while working to meet the requirements of an internationally-recognized curriculum. With a focus on skills development and inquiry, this writing-intensive program offers optimal preparation for student success at the university level. DP Courses are taught over two years.

Current 10th grade students may apply.

Visit the Thomas Jefferson High School Website

The Governor's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Academy Goals and Description: The Governor’s Career and Technical Education Academy for STEM in Richmond (GSA)  offers Richmond Public School students a rigorous academic and technical program of study in two career pathways (Engineering and Technology and Therapeutic Services). Courses emphasize in-depth understanding, connect new ideas to prior knowledge, encourage exploration, and help students construct meaning from course content. 

The pathways are a combination of academic and technical study that integrates classroom and real-world learning.  Hands-on project-based instruction is used in the high school and summer school program components. Academy coursework, teacher professional development, academic support, career and college development activities, along with parent and community involvement create a STEM community of learners.

This is a part-time program for students attending a full-time high school.

Visit the GOVERNOR'S STEM Academy Website

The Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy (RCEEA) is a full-time program where students receive an Applied Studies Diploma. It's for students ages 14 to 22 with varying cognitive disabilities.

The Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy’s curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs of students with significant disabilities by providing a rich array of classroom and community-based experiences that will result in the acquisition of academic and functional skills required to be active and contributing members of the community.

Outcomes for all students will be competitive employment, enrollment in meaningful post-secondary programs, or other productive activity that directly contributes to the well-being of the community. Integrating and engaging students in their community in the areas of work, recreation, education/training, wellness, etc., to the greatest extent possible, will enhance the productive contributions and vocational capacities of youth with varying cognitive disabilities. The Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy typically will also focus on developing communication, social, and independent living skills as well as severe academic challenges.

Visit the RICHMOND CAREER EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT ACADEMY Website